This time of year, I am a bread hound. I often pick up a loaf to create an appetizer, sop up soup, take to a party, enjoy for breakfast or share at a family gathering.

For this column, I went on Facebook and asked people to recommend their favorite local bread. The suggestions came pouring in. After much sampling and a 10-day carb-fest, I have some suggestions for you this holiday season — thanks to the recommendations.

I was told Legacy Bagelry made the best white bread for buttered toast, and after a slice, I think it’s true. I purchased a loaf of the original ($4.99 at MaMa Jean’s on East Sunshine) and fell in love. The texture is dense and creates toast with body. It is wonderful with a poached egg on top, but also hearty enough to stand in for appetizer recipes. I toasted some brie on a slice with pesto and prosciutto and it was delicious. It’s sold at all MaMa Jean’s locations.

If you need a baguette, head to B + B Boulangerie, 607 S. Pickwick Ave. ($3.15). The exterior is crusty but not so much that it hurts your mouth when you bite into it, and the interior is wonderfully chewy. A baguette should be chewy and many of them aren’t, so this is a winner. Slice it up and serve it with cheese, use it to dip in olive oil and vinegar, or just snack on it. I actually tore off a piece as soon as I got into the car because the aroma of the fresh baguette was irresistible. Baguette is best consumed the day you buy it and as soon as possible.

The Pumpkin Swirl Bread ($7.99 a loaf) at Neighbor’s Mill has great texture and some density but is very moist.(Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

For something sweet, the Pumpkin Swirl Bread ($7.99 a loaf) at Neighbor’s Mill is delicious. It has great texture and some density but is very moist. You can taste the cinnamon, pumpkin and fall spices, but it’s not overpowering. This is a wonderful pick for a holiday gift or to enjoy for breakfast or brunch. Also, if you want a dairy-free bread, the Strawberry Pecan Sweet Bread ($3.99 for a mini loaf), is dairy free, with real strawberries and a hint of cinnamon.

The Strawberry Pecan Bread at Neighbor's Mill is made with real strawberries and a hint of cinnamon.(Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

The Rosemary Bread from Ava Bread ($5.79 at MaMa Jean’s on East Sunshine) was a nice surprise. No one had recommended it, but I love rosemary, so I bought a loaf when I was shopping for the others.

The Rosemary Bread from Ava Bread is a great, flavorful bread to put out at a party. Try serving it with olive oil and flavored vinegars.(Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

This is a great bread to put out at a party because it has so much flavor, and it was wonderful served with olive oil and vinegars. You can also use it to create gourmet sandwiches: Try turkey, arugula, basil mayonnaise and sun-dried tomatoes. I definitely preferred the bread slightly toasted in the oven. Rosemary pairs well with beef, so this would be good for a roast beef sandwich, or use it to soak up sauces from a pot roast. Find other locations where the bread is for sale at https://avabread.weebly.com/locations.html

The Sunflower Seed Bread at The Artisan's Oven is good toasted and also makes a nice accompaniment to soft cheeses.(Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

I love Artisan’s Oven, 206 E. Commercial St., and when I asked Facebook friends to recommend their favorite bread, this bakery was the clear winner. I like the baguette and sourdough, but I tried the sunflower seed ($5.75) after several recommendations. I like it toasted with almond butter; it was also a nice accompaniment to soft cheeses like brie because the seeds provided texture. Artisan’s Oven Queen City sourdough ($5.25) is a San Francisco style sourdough, so it’s extra sour compared to a European style. Take two slices, slather them in butter and make a grilled cheese with Boursin in the middle and you’ll be in heaven. The olive bread came recommended by several people, but I didn’t have a chance to try it. I love olives, so it’s on my list.

So, If you want some good quality local bread this season, there are ample options.